Citizen Science Programs

Watching birds is more popular than ever! Tens of thousands of Canadians share their energy, skill, and bird observations through Bird Studies Canada's bird surveys. These "Citizen Scientists" provide a tremendous service by volunteering their time to track the health of bird populations.

Research and Conservation

Using data from our targeted research initiatives and Citizen Science programs, and in collaboration with conservation partners, our scientists monitor bird population trends, investigate declines, and recommend actions to protect the health of ecosystems we all depend on.

Help Us Conserve Canada’s Birds

You can play an important role in conserving Canada's wild birds! Bird Studies Canada supporters provide charitable donations as well as making
valuable Citizen Science contributions. Our nationwide programs are focused on the highest-priority conservation needs for birds.

Breeding failure can result from human activities as well as predation and
flooding. To protect breeding plovers, we set up signs around sensitive nesting
habitats. On busy beaches, rope fencing prevents trampling of nests and reduces
disturbances.

Increasing stewardship

Promoting best practices on beaches helps ensure positive outcomes for Piping
Plovers and other beach-dwelling wildlife. Our stewardship and partnerships work
toward sustainable use of beaches, recognizing ecosystem integrity, biodiversity
needs, recreational use, and other community values. The majority of Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick's coastal land is privately owned, and landowners play an
essential role in habitat protection. When Piping Plovers are found on private
lands, we work with landowners on collaborative approaches to protecting
sensitive nesting habitat. We also engage students, beachgoers, municipalities,
community groups, and agencies in managing, enhancing, and conserving habitat.

Key stewardship messages include:

respect signs and signed areas marking sensitive nesting habitat

use designated access points

keep motorized vehicles away

keep pets leashed

take trash out.

Supporting Recovery

We support scientific research into population trends, including Environment
and Climate Change Canada's five-year banding program to understand adult and
juvenile survival and identify key plover migration and wintering sites. Results
from monitoring and protection efforts inform species recovery planners, beach
management decision-makers, and the public.